Remains of British Jew discovered in forest near Uman during Rosh Hashanah holiday

The remains of a British Jewish man, believed to be in his 40s and a father of seven, were discovered in a forest near Uman on Sunday, bearing signs of violence. Unfortunately, the precise circumstances surrounding his death remain unknown. Local Jewish community members suspect foul play, yet Ukrainian police have yet to officially declare the incident a criminal act.

The ZAKA organization, under the direction of Baruch Nidam, is handling the release of the body for burial, while Aharon Ben Harush, deputy head of the United Hatzalah branch in Uman, stated that the man was found by police during the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Harush explained that the circumstances of his death are currently under investigation, and United Hatzalah representatives in Uman are collaborating with authorities to facilitate the release of his body for burial as soon as possible.

It is noteworthy that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, commences at sunset on Friday, September 11, and this year, the pilgrimage to Uman has taken on added significance due to safety concerns related to travel in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Tens of thousands of Israeli Jews typically visit Uman for Rosh Hashanah, despite the war, as the city serves as a pilgrimage site revered by thousands of religious Israelis annually.